Baskèts & adidas present: ORIGINALS ART INSTALMENTS
A new year-round collaboration between Baskèts and adidas has birthed a concept fusion encompassing art, heritage, style, sport, and community building all in one.
‘Originals Art Instalments’ unfolds across four distinct chapters and art disciplines throughout the year, each featuring a unique partnership with a diverse artist and a new adidas Originals release.
In a celebration of creativity and cultural diversity, we've handpicked four locally known creatives in culture, each representing a different art discipline. From street art to photography, sculpture to digital art, our aim is to spotlight the rich diversity of talent within our community.
Presenting to you: VOL. 1. We delve into the captivating world of art and footwear as we celebrate the release of the adidas SL72, artistically represented by the talented artist Kenneth Aidoo. His journey as a painter began during his younger years when he initially pursued filmmaking before rediscovering his passion for painting at Gerrit Rietveld Academie.
Influenced by his cinematic background and inspired by artists like Kerry James Marshall and Chris Ofili, Kenneth's artistic style pays homage to his Ghanaian roots and explores themes of the African Diaspora, particularly focusing on its hidden history in Europe during the Middle Ages. Over the years, Kenneth has been inspired by the pigments black, partly due to Kerry James Marshall and Christ Ofili. “I feel proud to be of Ghanaian descent and proud of the African continent, which is why I don't find black offensive but rather beautiful. I embrace it.”
A typical day in Kenneth's studio involves grounding himself, checking emails, and immersing himself in his current works while setting the mood with music. His inspiration stems from his Christian background, history, and personal experiences, guiding him to create pieces that resonate deeply with viewers. While appearance isn't everything, Kenneth believes in the power of first impressions and takes pride in dressing neatly, reflecting his personality and cultural background. His clothing style is a reflection of his character and interests, carefully curated from sources like the internet, films, and family albums. As Kenneth says "It warms your heart and feeds your soul to present yourself well."
When it comes to choosing shoes or sneakers, comfort is paramount for Kenneth, along with consideration for colour and style. As he looks to the future, Kenneth dreams of showcasing his artwork at prestigious events like the Biennale di Venezia, leaving a lasting impact on the art world.
His artwork inspired by the adidas SL72 reflects his intricate fusion of Ghanaian heritage and contemporary design, showcasing vibrant colours, Ghanaian textile, and patterns that resonate with his roots and personal journey.
For Kenneth, this collaboration with adidas is not just about creating art for a renowned brand but also about staying true to his vision and beliefs. He hopes that viewers will not only appreciate the aesthetic beauty of his artwork but also connect with his deeper concepts of the sneaker and ideas behind it.
In 1972, adidas introduced the SL 72, a lightweight running shoe signalling a new era in athletic footwear. This revolutionary shoe, denoting "super light," epitomised adidas' dedication to speed and agility for runners. With groundbreaking cushion and traction features, the SL 72 swiftly transcended the track, becoming a symbol of performance and comfort. Today, decades later, the SL 72 remains an iconic staple among adidas Originals enthusiasts worldwide.
Discover Kenneth’s artworks in our Jordaan store and explore the new adidas sneaker available in two colourways in-store and online at Baskèts.
Instagram Kenneth: https://www.instagram.com/kennethjames/
Website Kenneth:https://kennethjameskofi.tumblr.com/
As the year progresses, the excitement builds. At the culmination of our ‘Originals Art Instalments’ journey, we'll host a collaborative art gallery night, where each artist will have their own presentation/gallery space, showcasing their work alongside the adidas sneakers that inspired them. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the art, culture, and community that make Baskèts and adidas so unique.
Join us on this creative journey as we explore the intersection of art and sneaker culture, celebrating the diversity of expression and the power of collaboration. Stay tuned for updates and announcements as ‘Originals Art Instalments’ unfolds throughout 2024.
